The flexibility of a building - both its ability to accommodate a range of different uses and internal configurations, and its adaptability to accommodate change in the future - is reliant on the building’s identity, physical qualities, and original and current uses.
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All come together to inform how much flexibility and adaptability is physically possible, and may be considered appropriate. 

Examples

Servicing spaces sensitively

The installation of new elements, such as a kitchen, to accommodate a greater mix of uses, can be done in a sensitive and discreet way to create a multi-functional space.

St Peter’s Church, Hereford
Source: Communion Architects, Infinity Unlimited

Extending outwards

When it is difficult to divide a space without compromising its quality or what can happen there, it can be useful to extend a building. Sometimes a lot can be achieved with small additional spaces.

Winton Chapel,
​University of Winchester
​Source Design Engine Architects

Inventive storage

Storage should make clever use of available and underused spaces, which are often hidden away. Well-designed storage spaces can also help protect objects within a space which is shared by conflicting uses. Storage is an integral part of design; by making... or ' can provide security by protecting objects...'

Tremayne Hall Community
Centre, Cornwall
This substantial space under the stage was unlocked to store chairs
Source: The Glass-House Community Led Design

St Michael & All Angels, Witton
​Gilbert, Durham
This storage space in a kitchen-cum-vestry protects the vestments and prevents kitchen smells from permeating them
Source: Empowering Design Practices

Sliding walls

Spaces can be partitioned in different ways to create flexibility for rooms of varying number, size and shape.

St Paul’s Old Ford, London
Source: Empowering Design Practices

Westborough Primary School
Source: Cottrell & Vermeulen © Anthony Coleman

Take a look at your building

Looking at what’s there​
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1. Do you have any spaces in your building that can be used for a variety of different activities and by different users?
   
   
2. Are you able to easily adapt the size and/or layout of any of your internal or external spaces?
   
   
3. How well does your building accommodate flexibility through storage facilities and through its management and maintenance?

Looking to the future​

1. Are there existing elements of the building that you need to alter to give it greater flexibility of use?
   
   
2. How can you build in potential for the future adaptability of the building?
   
   
3. How will the physical spaces and management systems work together to accommodate different uses of the same flexible space?

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